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Charles Perrault's Versions Of Cinderella

Decent Essays

During the late 1600s, author Charles Perrault produced works of literature that were read to us as children: fairy tales. Perrault utilized fairy tales as a way to communicate what he perceived to be as sound advice to his audience. Two of Perrault’s fairy tales, variations of the well-known Cinderella, are titled “The Little Glass Slipper” and “Donkeyskin.” Both variations capture a common moral associated with Cinderella stories that those who are good-hearted will be rewarded. However, can Perrault’s versions of Cinderella positively impact today’s youth as it did (assuming) in the late 1600s? With consideration of the many relatively recent advancements in women’s rights, Perrault’s “The Little Glass Slipper” and “Donkeyskin” conflict …show more content…

Rather, Perrault writes the story in a way that suggests Cinderella speaking to her father is an act of defiance. This contributes to Cinderella’s emotional development.
Both fairy tales utilize Cinderella to portray what it means to be a good women. As the “The Little Glass Slipper” continues, Perrault continues to develop his idea of what Cinderella should portray. It is easy to see that Cinderella is kind, patient, and respectful. She is, however, haunted by what makes us all human: self-worth, self-esteem, and greed. When Cinderella’s step-sisters ask her if she would like to go to the ball, Cinderella replies “...it is not for such as I am to go to a place.” Class hierarchy greatly divided civilizations in the 17th century; everyone was taught to “know their place.” This kind of segregation can have long-lasting effects on children’s self-worth and self-esteem. If Cinderella were to belong to high nobility, Perrault, in contradiction to himself, summons an image of a woman who is not satisfied with her new found possessions. Her fairy godmother produces a gold coach and six horses. Eyeing the absence of a coachmen, Cinderella is quick to grab a rat. She not only gets the coachman but six footmen as well. Cinderella then notices her “nasty rags” and asks her godmother if she must wear such atrocities. Cinderella should have been grateful for the help; instead she asked for more. Perrault’s “Donkeyskin” similarly emphasises the same qualities. This is evident in

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